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Review

2003
BMW
3-Series Review

A luxury model with ample variety for every user.

Reviewed by Automotive on
9/11/2003

Overview

The 2003 BMW 3-Series is the cute sibling amongst the BMW range. It has friendly rounded lines and only exposes its true heritage when one accelerates to test the power under the hood. It's a machine that is enjoyable to drive, and it does not have confusing luxury settings and fittings. It's the vehicle for the owner who looks for practical utility with high standards and fits comfortably in the luxury vehicle segment. It has a number of body designs and different engines available.

What's New

The 2003 BMW 3-Series edition adds a height-adjustable headrest in the center of the rear seat. It adds safety controls such as the tire pressure monitor and the outside temperature monitor, and the navigation system receives an upgrade to a DVD-based system.

Exterior

The 2003 BMW 3-Series carries the signature twin-kidney grille that has the BMW emblem between them on the sloping hood. There are imperceptible options on the exterior dimensions of the various body styles. The sedan is a shorter version of the coupe and convertible bodies, while the convertible has a lower ground clearance than the other two body styles. Other basic differences include the retractable top on the convertible, and the rear tailgate on the wagon.

The 2003 BMW 3-Series comes with variable intermittent wipers and the rear window comes with defogger. It runs on 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55R H all-season tires, and comes with a full size alloy spare wheel. The dimensions on the base sedan are 68.5 inches wide, 55.7 inches tall, 176 inches long, sitting on a 107.3-inch wheelbase.

Interior

The 2003 BMW 3-Series has practical fittings. The communication system has 10 speakers supporting an AM/FM radio with a single CD-player. The power fittings include remote power door locks, heated power mirrors, and power windows. The storage spots include the front console, door pockets on the front and rear doors, and cup holders in the front and in the rear. It has leather on the seats, on the front console, on the doors and on the steering wheel. The speed-proportional power steering system runs on the tilt and telescopic steering wheel, the leather steering wheel has audio and cruise controls mounted on it. It also comes with a wireless telephone.

The 2003 BMW 3-Series includes convenience features such as reading lights in the front and in the rear. It has light in the trunk and the driver and front passenger each get an illuminating vanity mirror. The dimensions are 38.4 inches headroom, 41.4 inches legroom, and 54.4 inches shoulder room in the front. The rear has 37.5 inches of headroom, 34.6 inches of legroom, and 54.2 inches of shoulder room.

Performance & Handling

The 2003 BMW 3-Series is a five-speed manual transmission rear drive. The base engine is 2.5-liter V-6 that comes with an read out of 184 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Also attached is 24 valves, double overhead cam (DOHC), and variable valve timing (VVT). The suspension system includes four-wheel independent suspension, MacPherson strut front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension. The pre-impact safety includes four-wheel Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS), emergency braking assist system, while the front and rear wheels have ventilated disc brakes. It has an engine immobilizer and electronic brake-force distribution system.

Safety

The front and rear passengers have head airbags, and side-mounted airbags to protect occupants in a side impact. The headrests are height-adjustable in all the seats to protect passengers from whiplash in an impact. The rear seats come with child seat anchors with child safety locks on the rear doors to ensure a child does not open the doors except when an adult is present. For better visibility in day and night, it comes with daytime running lights, fog lights, and high intensity headlamps.